My kids got a very interesting school project. They were supposed to do something good for the community this weekend. It could be absolutely anything. The only rule was that it must make someone happy in some way. They had to click photographs of that process and grades in school would be awarded accordingly.

I know it is a very crazy kind of idea and not the perfectly right way to instill values in kids- but I don’t refute it completely. It is definitely a start. If out of hundred kids, even a handful find the process inspiring and continue doing it on daily basis- then it is definitely a step ahead. Kids learn things very swiftly and unlike the general perception when they really believe in something, they stick to it.

So my kids sat down to think of the best ways they can help the community. We all offered suggestions and finally we reached a conclusion. We have a little orphanage near our house. We decided to go there and spend an afternoon with the kids.

My kids were very, very excited about everything. We packed lots of fruits, sandwiches, coffee and also candies. We reached the place and the one hour we were supposed to spend there, stretched to five hours. We didn’t realize that so much time had passed. It was so good.

We all talked with each other. The kids shared their stories. We all had lunch together and felt very peaceful. I was too happy to see my kids really enjoying themselves and playing with other kids.

The afternoon went very nicely and we returned home. The kids submitted their reports and got very good grades. They told me stories of what other kids in their class had done to complete the community service project. Someone had planted saplings, someone had visited the old age home, someone had donated their pocket money to relief funds.

It is all quite good. I see a general aspiration to do something good in kids even if it is for grades. I see them diverting from the constant stress to look good and buy new things. It is surely a constructive step.

But let me take your leave now. Please take care. Bye.

The ‘common man’ was extremely happy when his kids suggested that they visit the orphanage every month and make their friends happy. They were really excited about it and looked forward to their visit. The common man was happy. It was their very small community service. And yes- It was not for good grades.